Hiring a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) for your child can be very challenging. It is important to know that whoever is taking care of your child is qualified and safe. These tips should be helpful with the hiring process.

If you are using a traditional PCA provider ask the company if you can interview the PCA they want to send before they actually start. This will give you an opportunity to see if they are a good fit. You may want to ask the company if you can have at least two personal references from the PCA. Make sure the company does a thorough background check..

If you are hiring your own PCA, make sure you look into alternative ways of recruiting applicants. Advertising for a PCA can be expensive. However the University of Minnesota allows job postings in their various departments. Call the department that would best fit your child, for example early education or occupational therapy. All job postings should include hours, rate of pay, and child’s age and general location of your home. Do not put your address in the posting.

Be prepared for the calls. Keep a list of questions that you will ask by the phone. Include questions about the applicant’s experience and availability. Make sure you are clear about how much the job pays and what your expectations are.

The next step is to meet with your applicants . If you are uncomfortable interviewing at your home, meet at a coffee shop or other public place. You will probably want to see the applicant interact with your child before you make your final decision. Have an application ready, most PCA providers have applications and hire packets. They also have a mandatory background check. It is important to know what your provider’s policies are before your interviews.

The most important thing to remember is go with what you feel. If you are uncomfortable with someone in the hiring process, you probably won’t be comfortable with him/her as a PCA.
It is important to set clear boundaries with your child’s PCA. It is really helpful to have a job description. Include the things that you want the PCA to do during the time they are with you. Do you want them to bathe your child or feed him/her? What kinds of therapy does your child have? How will the PCA participate? If possible, put together a training manual, which could include information about your child, his/her schedule feeding routine.

Finally, go with your gut. You know your child and your family better than anyone. It is important to trust your instincts. The best part about having a PCA for your child is that you get to take a break!